- 1). Line a shallow box with paper towels, which absorb the excess moisture from the date. Use a box that is less than 6 inches deep.
- 2). Lay a single layer of ripened dates in the box. Cover the dates with a sheet of cheesecloth to protect them from insects and dirt.
- 3). Set the dates in a warm, sunny location either indoors or out. Turn the dates once a day to encourage even drying, and replace the paper towels if they become moist.
- 4). Dry the dates for five to seven days, or until they are still tender but are becoming wrinkled and appear dehydrated for semi-dried dates. Leave the dates in the box dryer for up to two weeks or until they become leathery for completely dried dates.
- 5). Store the preserved dates in the refrigerator for up to six months. Alternately, store the dates at 32 F in the freezer for up to one year. Completely dried dates can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for one year.
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